The Latin America Low Down

In honour of Valentine's Day last week, we thought we'd
celebrate that most passionate of regions: Latin America. In the
immortal words of Led Zeppelin we've got a whole lotta love for
this romantic place that's sure to get the pulse racing with
fabulous food and wine, wonderful wildlife, majestic mountains and
beautiful beaches. But where to begin? A Google search of 'Latin
America travel' conjures up quite literally hundreds of millions of
results, and how do you know what is Gap Yah backpacker fantastic
and what is best for the more discerning, suitcase-toting luxury
traveller? Fortunately we, and our amazing (Latin) Americas team,
have the answers…

BEACH BUMS

Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Jose
Ignacio is where the beautiful people of Latin America head for
their summer holidays. Simultaneously bohemian and ultra-glam, the
village's vibe is low-key, personal and intimate, ideal for a few
days beach-side to cap off a Latin American adventure.

Trancoso, Brazil

Top-to-toe, Brazil's coastline is over 7,500 miles long, meaning
over 7,500 miles of beautiful beaches. Our favourite is Trancoso, a
former hippy town in the jungle-covered state of Bahia,
which has managed to retain its free-spirited charm.

CITY SLICKERS

Cartagena, Colombia

Latin America's comeback kid - Colombia's Caribbean coast-side
city Cartagena
- is the jewel in the country's newly-polished crown. Colourful
streets are perfect for strolling hand-in-hand (and snapping
pictures for Instagram) and the restaurant scene is burgeoning with
new openings serving everything from traditional Colombian cuisine
to more modern fare.

Havana, Cuba

Firmly back on the travel map after decades out in the cold
(metaphorically speaking), the Cuban
capital - one of Latin America's sultriest cities - is back on
the map in a big way. Spend a few days getting up close and
personal with the city as part of a wider Cuban trip, or even flit
between the communist state and ultra-capitalist, ever-romantic New
York City.

MOUNTAIN RANGERS

Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

At the
ends of the earth (or at least, the very bottom of Latin
America) lies Patagonia. Straddling Chile and Argentina, it is ripe
and ready for pulse-racing adventures to one of Mother Nature's
most spectacular backdrops: the towering peaks and wild pampas of
the Torres del Paine National Park.

The Sacred Valley, Peru

Not just for Gap Year students, Peru's
Sacred Valley is a favourite spot for a Latin American
adventure among the team at Original Travel HQ. Follow in the
footsteps of the ancients and take the alternative Lares Trek up to
Machu Picchu, staying in lovely lodges along the way, with not a
backpacker in sight.

WILDLIFE WONDERS

The Amazon, Ecuador

Although more compact than its Brazilian, or even Peruvian and
Colombian, counterparts, the
Ecuadorian Amazon packs a wildlife-spotting punch considerably
larger than its diminutive size. Home to over 600 species of bird
and 250 different amphibians and reptiles - including caimans - it
is a wildlife lover's dream.

Antarctica

Potentially the world's most iconic destination, Antarctica is
also home to some of its most iconic wildlife. Barely a year goes
by without Sir David Attenborough toying with our emotions as he
narrates the love lives of penguins, seals or colossal squid. Head
south and experience the unique landscape for yourself.

FABULOUS FOOD

Lima, Peru

Peru's
capital is at the epicentre of a wonderful resurgence in the
country's passionate cuisine scene. Miraflores, our favourite
Peruvian neighbourhood, is home to scrumptious seafood restaurants
serving up traditional ceviche with punchy Pisco sours, making for
a memorable evening foodie tour.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza's
pure mountain spring water and consistent climate are
responsible for what is, possibly, one of the most underrated wine
regions in the world. Deeply romantic visits to local wineries -
getting drunk on more than just love - are a must. As is staying in
a vineyard hotel, complete with divine wine spa tub for two.

Thinking about a Latin American adventure?
Get in touch with the team today.

About Abby Hennell James

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